But Biti blamed inconsistent policies among parties in the power-sharing government, poor rains and indiscipline in the public sector among other factors for the economy's poor performance.

Last month Biti told Parliament that between January and May the government had added 10 000 workers to its payroll without receiving proper approval for the hires.

A power-sharing government formed in 2009 between long-time political rivals President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai dumped the worthless local dollar in favour of the US dollar and other regional currencies.

Goods that were in short supply or unavailable returned to the shelves, but prices have continued to fluctuate according to the cost of importing.

Zimbabwe relies on imports mainly from South Africa after the economic meltdown forced factories to downsize, close or relocate to neighbouring countries. – AFP